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Health workers at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila work through the long weekend on October 31, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

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<div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1719738090006171101770346820231031-jose-fabella-workers-long-weekend-77.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(51, 51, 51);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:pre-wrap;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none">Health workers at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila work through the long weekend on October 31, 2023. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News </em></span><em> </em></span></span></span>MANILA — In the Philippines, there are probably over several thousand<strong> </strong>elective surgeries performed every single day. </div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal;min-height:15px"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">That&#x27;s a lot of people embarking on a journey towards a healthier future.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal;min-height:15px"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">While surgery itself is a powerful tool for addressing medical concerns, it&#x27;s important to be aware of the risks of potential complications.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal;min-height:15px"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">One such complication is a surgical site infection (SSI), which occurs when bacteria enter the incision made during surgery and proliferate causing a wide array of problems.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal;min-height:15px"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Think of an SSI as an uninvited guest crashing the party your body throws to heal itself. These infections can delay recovery, cause discomfort, may require additional treatment and may cause long-term consequences.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal;min-height:15px"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">But the good news is, there are steps you can take to be a proactive patient and minimize your risk of this unwelcome visitor.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2024/6/23/prostate-cancer-an-emerging-concern-but-early-diagnosis-and-treatment-bring-hope-1505">READ: Prostate cancer an emerging concern, but early diagnosis and treatment bring hope</a></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Here are the top five things to remember before your surgery, explained in more detail:</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal;min-height:16px"><strong></strong><br/></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><strong>Be an Open Book with Your Surgeon: Building Trust and Tailoring Your Care</strong></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">This isn&#x27;t about spilling every childhood secret (although a surgeon who is a good listener is always a plus!), but it&#x27;s crucial to be upfront with your surgeon about your entire medical history.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Think of it as building a bridge of trust and transparency. Disclose any health conditions you have, medications you&#x27;re taking, and even recent illnesses like a cold.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Why? Because certain conditions, like diabetes or a weakened immune system, can put you at a higher risk of infection. Additionally, some medications can interfere with anesthesia or how your body heals.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">By having a complete picture of your health, your surgeon can tailor their approach to minimize risks.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">For example, if you have diabetes, they might adjust their plan to ensure proper blood sugar control before, during, and after surgery.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2024/6/25/-wake-up-call-third-of-adults-not-doing-enough-physical-activity-713">RELATED: &#x27;Wake-up call&#x27;: Third of adults not doing enough physical activity</a></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal;min-height:16px"><strong></strong><br/></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><strong>Shower Power: Prepping for Surgery Like a Champion</strong></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Imagine a world-class athlete meticulously preparing for a big game. Now, apply that same dedication to your pre-surgery routine.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">The night before surgery, take a thorough bath or shower using any antibacterial soap whether provided by your doctor or hospital or something you bought.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">This helps remove any bacteria hanging out on your skin, making it a less welcoming environment for those pesky microbes.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Think of it as giving your body a head start in the fight against infection.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal;min-height:15px"><br/></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><strong>Ditch the Cigarettes and Alcohol (Even for a Short While): Giving Your Body a Fighting Chance</strong></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Listen, we all have our indulgences. But if you&#x27;re a smoker or a heavy drinker, consider putting them on hold for a few days before and after surgery.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Smoking weakens your immune system and impairs how your body heals wounds. Imagine the tiny blood vessels responsible for delivering healing nutrients to your incision site — smoking can actually damage these vessels, making it harder for your body to repair itself.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Alcohol can also interact with anesthesia and medications, potentially leading to complications. </p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Talk to your doctor about creating a temporary quit plan. Your body will thank you for it!</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">READ: </p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal;min-height:15px"><br/></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><strong>Let Your Body Hair Do its Thing: Nature&#x27;s Built-in Barrier</strong></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Here&#x27;s a surprising fact: shaving the surgical site can actually increase your risk of infection.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Crazy, right? The truth is, your body hair acts as a natural barrier, protecting the skin from nicks and scratches that could be entry points for bacteria.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Instead of shaving, your surgeon will likely trim the hair with clippers just before the procedure. This reduces the risk of accidental cuts while preserving that natural protective layer.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal;min-height:15px"><br/></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><strong>Follow Your Surgeon&#x27;s Orders Like Gospel: The Road to a Smooth Recovery</strong></div><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">When you&#x27;re recovering from surgery, consider yourself a champion wound warrior. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your incision, including cleaning and wound dressing changes.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Additionally, they might recommend specific exercises, like deep breathing exercises, to promote healing and prevent complications like pneumonia.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Don&#x27;t skip these steps! They&#x27;re crucial in keeping your surgical site clean and infection-free.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p>Think of the operating room as a specialized battleground against infection. Sterile<strong></strong> doesn&#x27;t just mean clean; it means completely free of germs and bacteria. To achieve this, the surgical team follows strict protocols.</p><p>The operating room environment itself is meticulously maintained, with air filtration systems removing airborne particles and surfaces disinfected with powerful cleaning agents.</p><p>The surgical team wears sterile gowns, gloves, and masks to create a barrier between themselves and the surgical site. Even the instruments used are carefully sterilized to ensure they are germ-free.</p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal">Remember, preventing SSIs is a team effort. By being an informed patient and following your doctor&#x27;s instructions, you can significantly reduce your risk and ensure a smooth (and infection-free!) recovery.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal;min-height:15px"><br/></div><p style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><strong>Bonus Tip:</strong> Don&#x27;t be afraid to ask questions! The more informed you are, the more confident you&#x27;ll feel about your surgery.</p><div style="margin-bottom:0px;line-height:normal"><br/></div><p style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">--</p><div style="caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"><em>Established in September 1936, the Philippine College of Surgeons is the country&#x27;s premier organization of surgical professionals. PCS has several surgical specialty societies including the Philippine Surgical Infection Society. </em></div>

<p>The good news is there are steps you can take to be a proactive patient and minimize your risk of a surgical site infection.</p>

The good news is there are steps you can take to be a proactive patient and minimize your risk of a surgical site infection.

Surgical Site Infection prevention: Top 5 things to remember before you go under the knife

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Surgical Site Infection prevention: Top 5 things to remember before you go under the knife

ABS-CBN News,

George Robert Uyquiengco,

MD,

FPCS

Published Jun 30, 2024 05:02 PM PHT

Read More:

Philippine College of Surgeons

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